I received a subscription to Woman’s World magazine as a Christmas present. I like it for the diets featured in each issue. There is usually a home decorating section that features using a color combination or holiday decor or something similar.

I was surprised to see an article about selling a home faster so I couldn’t wait to read it. Here are my opinions:

This is in response to the list about Secrets to boosting curb appeal:

1. “Painting your walkway” - I can’t recall seeing a painted walkway. Maybe it’s not a good idea for Chicago Suburbs real estate and might be more popular in other areas. But I definitely do not suggest that anyone here paint their sidewalks. If they’re in really bad shape you’ll need to patch or fix them, especially if they’re located in the front of your home.

2. “Hiding this so buyers feel at home” - the magazine states getting the car out of the driveway which I would agree with. They also added items such as toys, gardening tools and any personal items should be removed. Again, I do agree with this one. You might think your dressed up goose is gorgeous but it just adds clutter to your porch or deck and for showing purposes should be removed. That goes for any personal plaques, wreaths, etc. Some decor could add to the curb appeal but you might need the unbiased opinion of a real estate agent, family member and/or friend.

3. “Following the rule of three” - it suggests to paint your home using 3 coordinating colors - one for the main structure, one for the shutters and the third color for the door. Many homes are brick in natural colors so there should be no painting used there (I’ve seen some brick homes that were painted at some time and if that’s the case then make sure the paint is in good condition). I don’t know why the magazine mentions shutters because not all homes have shutters. I would have mentioned windows and trim. A lot of home owners have wood doors. All in all, you want a color combination that looks good and neutral is great for a home’s exterior. Most importantly, if there is any paint on the exterior of the home and garage, make sure it is not peeling and is in good condition.

Another suggestion in lieu of shutters was to use color coordinated planters on the front steps filled with pretty mums or seasonal greens. If you feel like it and have the space that would be a nice touch. Will it really sell your home quicker than if you didn’t do this? Nope!

Their next section was Tricks to make your home look huge! - I knew this one would be interesting:

1. “Lightening up your furniture” - they’re telling you to stay neutral with your furnishings. A light beige or ivory sofa will make the room look larger than a dark sofa. Although I would agree with this it is very difficult to tell the owner of a bright floral patterned living room set to switch it out or rent something different while showing the home. This is common sense - lighter and neutral colors can make a room feel larger. Does that mean go all white? I’ve actually seen bright white rooms that looked small, cold and sterile. You also need depth to create size so I don’t suggest decorating in all white.

2. “Enlarging a cramped bedroom” - according to Woman’s World, all you need is a small lamp and a large mirror. Set them across from each other and voila! The light from the lamp will bounce back from the mirror making the room look larger. Most people already have a mirror on a chest of drawers. Why would anyone want to add another mirror to the bedroom? It sounds like they’re suggesting you put a large mirror on a wall. I think that would look goofy and I can’t imagine anyone considering this.

3. “Expanding shelf space” - Duh! Of course, any good agent will tell you to clear up some of your personal belongings, knick knacks, family photos, etc. One of my past seller clients cleaned out a cramped bookshelf at my suggestion and couldn’t believe how nice the room looked with that one simple clean-up. If you’re read anything about selling your home, you have read about de-cluttering. Nothing new here!

And finally, Extras that can seal the deal - one item I agree with is to think like a buyer:

1. “Throwing in these irresistible extras” - it is suggested that it would be a nice gesture to leave anything that was custom made for the home. In most cases this is done without thought. I would say a majority of sellers keep the appliances in the home and the window treatments. Usually, the current window treatments won’t fit in their new home and most buyers expect appliances to stay. It was mentioned to leave some furniture but I dislike having to deal with extra personal property (and many buyers are not interested). I do not consider most of these items as being irresistible and feel this is just filler for the article.

2. “Offering this must-have” - “Covered parking!” Again, in our area most sellers know how important a garage is and although we have a few carports they are not as acceptable as a 2 car garage. In fact, today’s buyers want at least a 3 car garage. Again, this is a no-brainer and since most homes have a garage it doesn’t necessarily make your home sell faster since it’s expected in our area. On the other hand, if you do not have a garage it might be worth having one built. The article suggests offering a credit to the buyer if they offer you full price to cover the cost of a garage but that is usually against mortgage and respa rules. You would have to check with your mortgage company if they would allow a credit for a garage. If not, then you have to price your home in line with not offering a garage and be prepared to have your home sit on the market longer.

3. “Putting together a 411 kit” - Oh yeah, this will be the thing that sells your house quickly - NOT! It is a nice gesture and you should leave all of your manuals and possibly repair receipts for the new buyers. It’s also nice to leave them with some restaurant brochures or a list plus a local phone book. I have seen some agents put together a nice area brochure for buyers. Again, it is a very nice thing to do but it will not be a factor in getting your home sold quicker.

In Summary

Reading an article of fluff like this makes me realize how much junk resides in most magazines (and newspapers, news on tv, etc.). Anyone trying to sell in today’s Seller’s Market might jump on an article like this and I’m sure they’d be let down over the simple ideas that most sellers already know. Following is a basic Home Selling 101 list:

• Curb appeal is important and is the first thing buyers see. Make sure your house looks appealing from the outside.
• Your home should be as clean as possible, free of clutter and personal items, inside and out. I’m sure you know that.
• A neutrally decorated home will appear cleaner, lighter and larger. That doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be vanilla, white and bland. Color is still popular in today’s decor. Just don’t overdo it, don’t clash and stay away from very bold or shocking colors and patterns. Wallpaper is out so it might be worth it to remove it yourself. I’ve seen buyers walk away from heavily wallpapered homes that were nice homes otherwise. They just didn’t want to have to remove someone else’s wallpaper. Remember, something that you think is no big deal could be to a buyer. There are so many homes up for sale right now they just go to the next one.
• The easiest way to make a room look larger is to get rid of a piece of furniture or two (you already got rid of your knick knacks & clutter, right?). Also clean out your closets, laundry room, workshop and garage. This will make packing easier in the end. I’d rather see nicely stacked boxes in the garage or basement than see the clutter in view in the home.
• If your competition is leaving their appliances and window treatments you should too or reduce your asking price proportionately. Remember, many buyers are using their last dollar to get this mortgage and don’t have anything left for costly appliances and window treatments. Taking $2,000 off the price might not help a couple who don’t have the cash on hand to purchase $2,000 worth of appliances. Sure, they’re basically putting that $2,000 in their mortgage but with today’s rates that’s not such a bad interest rate. Are they truly taking years to pay those appliances off? Yes, but they can offset some of that with the tax deduction and if it’s the only way they can afford it then this is the way they have to do it. If you don’t leave them the appliances they might have to go to the next house that will.
• Same with a garage and I think I wrote everything applying to that already.

The bottom line is, in today’s slow selling market your house has to be the best in the price range in order to get it sold. It has to be the cleanest and/or the largest and/or have the best floor plan and offer the most for the money. And that’s how you can sell your home faster.

If you need to sell your home please call Judy at 708-536-8200 or fill out the Contact Form. As a buyer or seller you probably would like to search all active MLS listings.